The Matrix Model of Addiction Treatment: A Guide

The Matrix Model of addiction treatment is an integrated form of substance use treatment that combines different evidence-based therapeutic interventions to treat people who struggle with stimulant use disorder.¹

The Matrix Institute in Los Angeles, California developed this therapeutic model in the 1980s as a new way of helping the growing numbers of people struggling with stimulant addiction during the height of the cocaine epidemic. The available addiction treatment models at that time did not address the unique needs and concerns of people who were using stimulants, such as crack/cocaine and methamphetamine.¹

Before the Matrix Model, a structured outpatient approach to treating stimulant addiction didn’t exist. This gap prompted the Matrix Model creators to formulate a different approach to stimulant addiction that directly addressed the needs of people recovering from stimulant misuse and addiction.^1,2

What is the Matrix Model for Addiction Treatment?

The Matrix Model is an integrative treatment model meant to directly address the needs of people who suffer from stimulant addiction through the strategic combination of evidence-based therapies.¹ People who participate in Matrix therapy participate in an intensive outpatient treatment program for 16 weeks, where they are provided different evidence-based therapies in a highly structured environment.¹ While the creators of the Matrix Model originally intended that this model address people with stimulant addictions, some researchers examined the Matrix Model for its potential benefits for treating addiction to other substances, including opioids.³

The founders of the Matrix Model developed their approach primarily as a way of treating addiction to cocaine/crack and methamphetamine.^1,4 During treatment, people are guided through a variety of methods to help them recover from addiction, such as addiction education, information on recovery and relapse, and familiarization with self-help programs.⁴

They are supported throughout the program by a qualified and trained therapist, who acts as a coach and functions as both the group and individual counselor for participants.¹

The Matrix Model of treatment is an evidence-based method for helping people recover from stimulant use.² It has been studied for more than 20 years and has been evolving and changing based on data from thousands of people addicted to stimulants.^1,2 Studies have shown different efficacy rates for the Matrix Model.¹ As previously mentioned, the Matrix Model has undergone limited research for other substances but it has been shown, so far, to be most useful for methamphetamine and cocaine/crack addiction.⁴

The ultimate goal of Matrix rehabilitation is to help people stay in treatment and abstain from substance use.⁵ It is also designed to help improve a person’s self-esteem, dignity, and self-worth.⁴

How Does the Matrix Model Work?

The Matrix Model is a 16-week treatment approach that takes place on an intensive outpatient basis.¹ It involves different groups as well as individual sessions over the course of treatment.¹ The Matrix Model combines a variety of behavioral therapies to promote positive and healthy changes to a person’s thoughts and behaviors that lead to substance use issues. Therapies that are frequently incorporated in the Matrix Model include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), contingency management, 12-Step facilitation, motivational interviewing, and family therapy.⁵

During the course of treatment, a patient participates in a program that involves different substance use treatment types that may help them recover from stimulant addiction. A patient’s Matrix Model program may consist of different modalities, including:^1,5

• Individual psychotherapy to set goals and develop a positive, trusting relationship with the patient’s therapist. People typically receive 3-10 individual sessions during their treatment time over the course of about 16 weeks.
• Early recovery skills groups to learn different recovery techniques, such as ways to stop substance use and how to deal with cravings. These groups are used in the first month of treatment, although someone can return to them later if needed. People may attend two of these groups each week.
• Relapse prevention groups to help someone stay sober and learn ways to avoid relapse. These structured groups are a major component of the Matrix Model. They start from week 1 and continue to week 16. People attend two of these groups each week.
• Family education groups to provide education to patients and their family members about addiction. This is a 12-week series that requires weekly attendance.
• 12-Step programs, which substance use treatment programs may offer onsite at least one night a week. These groups provide people with social support from their peers so they can remain committed to recovery.
• Random urine testing on a weekly basis. A patient may also receive additional drug tests if staff members suspect that a patient is misusing other substances.
• Relapse analysis with their individual therapist to help those who relapse unexpectedly. These sessions are designed to help someone understand why the relapse occurred and help someone prevent relapsing in the future.
• Social support groups, which are more informal than other groups. These groups are designed to help people develop new relationships with others who do not use substances. These groups typically begin in the last month of treatment.

Goals and Benefits of the Matrix Model

The Matrix Model is designed to help people achieve abstinence from drugs and alcohol.² Other specific goals for people participating in the Matrix Model for addiction treatment include:^1,6

• Understanding addiction and relapse.
• Developing relapse prevention skills.
• Developing healthier social behaviors.
• Reinforcing healthier coping skills.
• Becoming involved with 12-Step and other types of support groups.
• Individualized goals determined between the patient and their treatment team.

Finding Effective Addiction Treatment

If you or someone you care about struggle with substance use or addiction, American Addiction Centers (AAC) can help. AAC has treatment centers throughout the country, providing evidence-based therapies for substance use disorders and co-occurring. Call or text to connect with a knowledgeable and compassionate admissions navigator, who can answer your questions, explain your options, and help you find your path to lasting recovery.